The Kenyan government has declared creation of special team inside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that will focus on monitoring dangers posed towards bloggers. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary of Interior, made this announcement highlighting the dedication by government to protect bloggers expressing different opinions on social media platforms.
According to CS Kindiki, detectives from the DCI are currently investigating numerous cases across 19 counties, particularly focusing on gangs involved in online attacks and violence against individuals expressing themselves online. During his address to the Kenyan Senate, Kindiki highlighted the tragic murder of Meru-based blogger, Daniel Muthiani Bernard, also known as Sniper.
Sniper’s abduction on December 2, 2023, culminated in the discovery of his lifeless body two weeks later on December 16th in Tharaka Nithi county. Postmortem results revealed signs of torture, prompting allegations linking Muthiani’s death to his criticism of Meru’s governor, Kawira Mwangaza. Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda raised concerns about the evidence pointing to a motive to silence criticism of Governor Kawira.
CS Kindiki acknowledged the complexity of the case but assured senators of a meticulous investigation process aimed at holding all perpetrators accountable. Notably, Mr. Murangiri Kenneth Guantai, a brother of Governor Mwangaza, is among the five suspects arrested and arraigned in court, alongside Vincent Muriithi, Christus Manyara Kiambi alias Chris, Brian Mwenda alias Brayo, and Bonface Kithinji Njiiyia alias Dj Kaboom.